When developers and tech-savvy users interact with technology, they often do it in ways that differ drastically from the general public. While the average consumer might eagerly adopt new features and shortcuts at face value, techies tend to avoid gimmicks, question claims, and create their own workflows. In this episode of Web News, we explore how these different usage patterns affect app design, UX decisions, and the experiences we create as developers. Do we need to design with two audiences in mind—one for the general user and another for the tech-savvy crowd?
When techies use technology they use it differently than the general public. This naturally happens when using advanced tech (as the general consumer doesn’t touch it), but it also happens when doing everyday tasks.
For example, techies will naturally stay away from some features of an app (ie new gimmicky AI features, shortcuts on desktop, quick access options in menus) - whereas general consumers will often read what a feature claims to do, take it at face value, and then start using it.
There has been several times that I’ve seen friends, family, and customers use tech in a way that I never expected.
